HOW TO FLIP HOUSES: My Real Estate Investing Dream Team

Broker has passion for real estateThe TennesseanHow did you become involved in real estate? I have worked with boutique-style firms and national name brand firms, and none fit my personality and business style as well as Benchmark Realty. The fact that only seasoned, experienced agents are allowed ...

First time home buyer here so I might have some questions that seem pretty obvious. So I am looking at buying a condo. I'm 25. I currently live with my parents rent free. I am seeing alot of great bank owned properties on the market and I would love to make an offer. Downside is, I don't have the full amounts in cash most of the properties are asking for. So I will be putting a 20% down.

My mortgage broker and real estate agent strongly discourage me from going after bank owned properties. They say it takes too long to hear from the bank. This annoys me because, I currently live at home so its not like I URGENTLY need to find a place. I have the time to wait it out.

Are they just being lazy because its the same amount of paper work for less commission? Does anyone have experience buying bank owned properties without the full amount in cash? How long did it take to hear back?

Thank you for guiding a newbie!

edit: Thanks for the advice guys. I just wanted to add that I'm thinking of buying a condo, and not a house. NOt sure if this makes a difference in anything. I also live in NJ.

edit 2: Wow! I just checked back on the comments and never expected to get this much. Thank you so much for taking time out to respond to me. I'm sorry If i don't get a chance to directly thank you. Please know your advice is greatly appreciated.